Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 20, 2023 (SKNIS): The official launch of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Ageing and Disabilities on Monday, February 20, 2023, creates a new paradigm that has been embraced by stakeholder groups excited by the plans to enhance care and services to the most vulnerable in society.
At the ceremony held at the Solid Waste Conference Room, Permanent Secretary Janelle Lewis Tafari said that the thoughtful formation of the Ministry will ensure inclusion and equitable access for persons.
“No longer should their needs and their voices be considered secondary. They are a priority,” Mrs. Tafari indicated, noting that persons of all ages from every community, will be impacted.
“There is no sustainable development unless these persons are considered and are a part of our efforts.”
The Permanent Secretary added that the target segment of the population is keen to capitalize on the promise and potential created by this new Ministry.
“The target groups are geared up and ready to go. They are looking forward to positive changes, impactful changes,” she added. “The Ministry will try to create a more enabling environment so that these persons can have their voices heard. We will not speak for them as they are the best ones to articulate their needs, wishes, ideas, suggestions and how things should be implemented that will best benefit them.”
Permanent secretary Tafari noted that avenues to influence policy creation will be enhanced to help promote proper representation across the Public Sector.
The formation of the Ministry of Youth, Ageing and Disabilities was strategically grouped to help advance the government’s realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dignitaries attending the Ministry launch included Deputy Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley; Junior Minister, the Honourable Isalean Phillip; Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Marcus Natta; Ambassador, His Excellency Kenneth Douglas; Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), His Excellency Michael Lin, and United Nations Country Coordination Officer for St. Kitts and Nevis, Cosbert Woods.
